Co-existing with Alligators

Alligators are a crucial species of the wildlife population. While conservation is necessary, public safety is most important.

Did you know that their mating season starts soon? Courtship begins in early April, and mating occurs in May or June. This could be why we have recently seen an alligator walking the streets of Avila. The below photo was taken near the Teroso gate #4.

A female alligator builds a mound nest of soil, vegetation, or debris and deposits an average of 32 to 46 eggs in late June or early July. Incubation requires approximately 63-68 days, and hatching occurs from mid-August through early September.*

In this article published last summer in the Tampa Bay Times, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) offered these tips for reducing the likelihood of a gator attack:

• Never feed an alligator. It’s illegal and causes alligators to overcome their natural wariness and learn to associate people with food.

• Keep your distance if you see one. Alligators may look lethargic but can move quickly.

• Swim only in designated swimming areas during daylight hours. Alligators are most active between dusk and dawn.

• Keep pets away from the water (at least 10 feet from the water’s edge).

The FWC encourages anyone who believes a specific alligator poses a threat to people, pets or property, to call the Nuisance Alligator Hotline at (866) 392-4286.

*Taken from FWC site: https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wildlife/alligator/facts/